He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze (2 Samuel 22:35).

David was a mighty warrior and described by God as a "man after God's own heart." God took David through a training ground that could be looked upon as cruel and unusual punishment by many an onlooker. He was chosen at a young age by God to be the next king, yet he was rejected and hunted down by King Saul. He was a fugitive for many years. He had uprisings in his own family. He had relationship problems. He had a life of extreme ups and downs. He certainly did not have a life free of problems. David made mistakes. He was human like all of us; yet, he learned from his mistakes and repented when he failed. This was the training ground for David. This made the man. Without these hardships it is doubtful David would have accomplished what he did.

Toward the end of David's life he recounts his relationship with God. It is a sermon on God's ways of dealing with a servant leader." God arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn." (2 Samuel 22:34-37).

God was David's source for everything. It was God who gave him the ability to achieve the many extraordinary things in his life. It was a life-long training ground that moved him from one plateau to another, often dropping into a ravine of despair and hopelessness from time to time. These are the ways of God. They drive us deeper and deeper into the heart of Him who has prepared a way for us. Let God take you to the heights or depths He desires for you. He never promised smooth sailing during the trip, but He did promise to be the captain and companion along the way.